Automatic box-making machine



Dec. 13, 1927.

- 1,652,373 G. D. PARKER v AUTOMATIC BOX MAKING MACHINE h Filed Sept.25, 1923 l2 Sheet-Shet 1 19124- 39 1836' 874036 maa 694-417 was G. D.PARKER AUTOMATIC BOX MAKING MACHINE Filed Sept. 25, 1923 12 Sheets-Shet'2 50 I 15 I ,yl j 49 i: I Q) I I 36 18 19 QM Km Dec. 13, 1927.

G. D. PARKER AUTOMATIC BOX MAKING MACHINE Filed Sept. 25, 1923 12Sheets-Shet 3 3/"? Illa Dec. 13.1527.

1 G. D.' PARKER AUTOMATIC Box MAKING MACHINE Filed Sept. 25, .1923

12 Sheets-Sheet. 4

Dec 13, 1927. 1,652,373

G. D. PARKER AUTOMATIC BOX MAKING MACHINE Filed Sept. 25, 1923 12Sheets-Sheet 5 Dec. 13, 1927. 1,652,373

G. D. PARKER AUTOMATIC BOX MAKING MACHINE Filed Sept. 25, 1923 12Sheets-Shet 6 G. D. PARKER Dec. 13,1927. 1,652,373

AUTOMATIC BOX MAKING MACHINE Filed Sept. 25, 1923 12 Sheets-Shet '7 Dec.13, 1927.

G. D. PARKER AUTOMATIC BOX MAKING MACHINE Filed Sept. 25, 1923 In w 12Sheets-Sheet 8 100 101 :7 5a 5.9 54' was G. D. PARKER AUTOMATIC BOXMAKING momma Filed Sept. 25, 1923 12 Sheets-Sheet 9- Dec. 13,1927.

' G. D; PARKER AUTOMATIC BOX MAKING MACHINE Filed-Sept. 25,- 1923 mw v12 Sheets-Sheet 11 aw g a Dec. 13,1927. p s. D. PARKER AUTOMATIC BOXMAKING MACHINE Filed Sept. 25, 1925 12 Sheets-Sheet '12 in box partsholding forms and feeding means Patented 13, l92 7. v

- UNITED STATES PA rafir or-FicE.

.- enema n. rama, or :arvnnsma, c'nnnronm no'rom'rrc BOX-MAKING amounts.

Application fled September 2:, 1923. semi- No. 864,685.

This invention relates to an automatic machine for assembling andnailing wood boxes from previously prepared box shooks.

A principal 'ObJBClJ of the invention resides in providing afullautomatic machine adapted to successively feed box arts from storage.magazines to suitable hol the minimum of labor.

Another object of the invention resides in providing a full automaticbox making machine that is adapted to operate on a smgle box during eachcycle of operation where the depth of the box is greater than half'thewidth, and to operate on two boxes during 7 each alternate cycle ofoperation where the depth of the box is less than half the width.Another object of the invention resides providing a plurality ofinterchangeable for box parts, whereby the machine may be readilyadjusted to make boxes of differing sizes and shapes, the variousholding forms and feeding means'being adapted to pla'cement andadjustment within the machine in the minimum of time so that continuedoperation is not materially interfered with.

Another object of the invention resides inproviding a machine for makinga comparatively large box, make the sides and bottoms of a plurality ofpieces, 'and the providing of feeding means for feeding'and aligning apluralit of box sides or bottoms in relation to eac other during onehalf of each cycle of operation of said machine.

A still further object of the invention resides in a specially designedindexing and positioning mechanism that automatically controls themovement and positioning of. the box parts holding forms when changingfrom a. position of completed operation to a position of commencingoperation, which change takes place during the idle half of each cycleof operation.

Other objects of the invention resides in the special means andmechanism for accurately effecting the changes and adjustments referredto with rapidity and certainty.

With such objects in iew as well as other advantages wh1ch may beincident to the wherein it is necessary to tural peculiarities of the diuse of the improvements, the invention con sists in the procedure,

and in the parts and combinations thereof hereinafter set forth andclaimed, with ,the understanding that 60 the several necessary elementsconstituting the same may be varied in proportion an arrangement withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention.

understood there are shown in the acthe same into practical effect,without limit ing the improvements in their useful a plications, to theparticular construction w ich, for the pur ose of'explanation, have madethe su ject of illustration.

In connection with the drawings forming apart of this specification Iwish to out that the lated parts,

oint general arrangement of theretheir placement and o erative timinhave all been so shown and displa ed that t e operation of the inventionwoul be most clearly understood, the drawings, therefore, are to belooked u on as somewhat diagrammatic in their isclosures. Furtherreference will be made to this feature of the illustrations as thedescription proceeds.

I have also omitted from the drawings and description all reference tothe nail supplying hoppers as this may be of any form well known in theart. r

I have also omitted a specific description of the Power control meansbut have shown a part 0 this apparatus in connection with the presentdrawings to illustrate the relation of the same thereto.

Mechanism embodying the referred strucerent parts, the preferreddisposition of the different parts, the combinations forming the subjectmatter of my improved machine are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings, in which,-

' Figure 1 is a front elevation of my improved automatic box makingmachine showmg the various parts and combinations in the positions thatwill best illustrate their locationsand connections; The box makinelements proper that are normally located directly back of the partsshown in this view are omitted entirely. This view illustrates only the.front view of the feed devices, the box end hoppers and the magazinefor carrying the supply of box sides and bottoms and the mechanism ofthe machine that can be best illustrated in this view. The positions ofthe various parts as to the accurate tim- I In order to make theinvention more cleary companying drawings means for carrying been .parts, being the feed mechanism,

and magazines as illustrated in Figure 1,

occupying the attention.

box and for giving ing of the machine are only approximately correctalthough the are shown in their pro r locations in re ation to eachother.

iguro 2 is a sectional side elevation taken approximately on line 2-2 ofFigure 1 looking in the direction of the arrow at the top of Figure 1.This view includes all of the arts in side elevation, that are shown inigure 1 with the addition of the parts of the machine that were omittedin Figure 1. There is included in this view, however,'a part of the feedoperatin mechanism that would normally be omitte as being in front ofthe line of section, this part constitutes the operating levers and partof the connecting rod for giving reciprocation to the box parts feedmechanism.

The actual mechanism for handling, holding and operating on the boxesduring their formation, are in this view shown in aproximately afinished operation. The box gorms that hold the box parts is in theposition where the last sides have just been nailed onto the box. Thenailing frame and nail chucks are just about to be raised, the finishedbox just about to be ejected from the forms and the forms to be rotatedthrough an arc of 180 degrees which will lace them in the position toreceive the first parts of the next box and the be mnin of a new cycleof operation. e mec -anism of this view is in approximately the propertimed relation.

Figure 3 is a rear elevation of the machine looking in the direction ofthe arrow A of Figure 2 and shows all of the parts aparing on this sideof the machine ut omits .all of the parts appearing back. of these feedchutes this rmits the parts occupying positions on this side of themachine to be viewed and understood without distracting mechanism Theparts and mechanisms of this view are in approximatel the same operativepositions as they are shown in Figure 2, 111 this view of course theentire back of the machine is shown instead of only the sectional partof Figure 2. This view is the first to show any part of the indexing andcontrolling mechanism for rotating the box forms to ermit the ensuingoperation on a partially ormed a rotatlon through 180 degrees to place eforms in position for commencing a new operation.

Figure 4 is a side elevation of the ma n part of the machine omittingthe feed de' vices entirely and is looking in the direction of thevarrow B of Figure 3, with the various parts and mechanism inapproximately the same relative positions of Figures 2 and 3. This viewand Figure 5 ensuing are intended to clearly show the means by which thebox forms are given their intermittent ro- 'connectin tation to presentthe several sides of the boxes to the operating mechanisms, and the rooperating the nailing frame on thissi e of the machine has been brokenaway tobetter show these parts. Continued movement of the operatingmechanism as shown in this view will first raise the nailin frame andnailing chucks from contact withthe finished box, at the same instantthe nailin anvils will begin to move away from the box forms and permitthem to begin their rotation through the action of the indexing andcontrollin mechanism, the rotation in this instance wil be through anarc of'l80 de rees. Just as the nailing frame, nailin c ucks and theanvils release the box orms the e"ector members, as most clearly shownin igure 2, will quickly eject the finished box from the forms an asthey complete their rotation they will be placed in position to receivenew box parts and for the beginning of a new operation.

Fi re 5 is a companion view with Figure 4 an shows the box forms ashavin finished their rotation through the 180 egree arc and are lockedby the indexing mechanism, against further movement rotatively until thenext operative cycle. During the operation of rotating and repositioningthe box forms. they are given both rotative and reci rocative movement.They are normally hel in operative position through the su port egivenby the nailing'anvils and will e mov to the operative position as theanvils move upward into the position of Figure 4, at which time theylift the box forms and. support them in the position of Figure 4.

Figure 6 is an enlarged detail view of a part of the side of the machineand emraces only that part adjacent the indexing mechanism that liesdirectly in line with the arrow B of Figure 3. This enlar ed detail ispartly in section and with ot er parts broken away to more clearly showthe attending mechanism. In this view the index'ing mechanism is in thesame relative position as is shown in Figure 4 but shows much moreclearly the operative lever connectin with the driving frame, the earingan the notched index disk and the ocking mechanism for holding theindexed parts in position until their control is transferred to thenailing anvils.

" Figure 7 is a vertical sectional elevation on approximately line 8-8of Figure 6 1 looking in the direction of the arrow. The

iiaken on approximately the line 7-7 of gree rotation and as being heldin locked dotted rectangle in this plan indicates the position of thenotched index disk in relation to the locking dog. -Figure 9 is a sideelevation of the notched index disk while in its lowermost position andwhile passing through its 180 degree of rotation. This view shows thelocking dog fully depressed and the closed. notch of the indexing diskjust about to pass by the dog. The closing of this notch permits of the180 degree of rotation when repositioning the box forms for thebeginning of an operation on a new box.

Figure 10 is a similar View and shows the index disk as havingcompletedits 180 deposition by means of the locking dog resting m thenotch on thelower edge of the disk.

It is here shownrin the same position as it is shown inFigure 5.

Figure 11 is a detail illustrating the friction gear control device andis a view looking in the direction of the arrow C of Figure 7.' Parts ofthe gears and friction members are broken away to more clearlyillustrate their'relative positions and operations.

Figure 12'is a sectional plan of the machine taken on approximately the.line

- 1212 of Figure 2 but with the various parts and mechanism somewhat inadvance of Fi ure 5. .The sides and bottom chutes have Feenomitted inthis view in order to more clearly show the operating mechanism,

,the parts being set in'the position of commencing operation. The feeddevices have moved forward and are just about tocarry a pair of box endsor heads and the arts for one side, into the-box forms. 'The' ead chutesare only partly shown and contain .threeheads on each side.' The boxforms are shown in plan and clearly illustrate their manner ofconstruction when taken inconnection with what is shown in Figure 2,although in the positionof Figure 12 they are shown as having advanced180 degrees from the position of Figure 2. 1

Figures 13 to 17 inclusive illustrate the several stages and-steps inthe operation offorming a'complete box and ejecting it from the 'machineand will be referred to in detail in the further description'o-f theoperation-of the machine.

Figure 18 is a side elevation of the box parts feed mechanism looking inthe same direction as in Figure 2 ,but withsome of the supportingframework omitted to more clearly illustrate the feed action and therelative relation of the various parts. In

- this view the feed parts have advanced in their forward stroke to thepoint of just engaging the box heads or ends and the first board or slatof the first side to'beadvanc'ed to'tlie box, ')arts holding forms. Thedotted --line D indicates approximately'the full back stroke of the feedmechanism.

Figure 19 is a plan of Figure 18 with the various parts in approximatelythe same relative positions, but with the side and bottom boardssuperposed in their normal positions as when resting in the magazine,broken a'wayto better show their relative positions.

Figures 20 to 35 inclusive show the various stages of operation andpositions of the box parts feeding mechanism and the parts. being fedand illustrates clearly just how it is possible to feed box ends orheads only every third stroke of the feed mechanism and to feed sidesand bottoms at every stroke of the mechanism. The special .means ofaccomplishing this result will be dealt with in detail as thedescription of the operation of the machine progresses.

Figure 36 is a plan of a part'of the feed control mechanism somewhatenlarged to clearly show the parts that operate to control the feedingof the'sides and bottoms.

Figure 37. is a companion side elevation of Figure 36 and shows the sameparts in the other projection and in the same relative positions, withoneof the carrier lifting plungers elevated to show its shape and form.Y

Figures 38 to 47 inclusive illustrate the steps and stages of feedingoperation requiretl when making boxes whose depth is less than half thewidth and two are handled or operated upon alternately during the.continuing cycles of operation. This manner ..of feeding the box partswill, be taken up in further detail as the description of the operationsof the machine progresses. Figures 48,49 and 50 illustrate the positionsof the boxes while carried by the formswhen makingthe boxes referred toregardin the illustrations in Figures 38 to 47 and wil bediscussed infull detail as the description progresses.

Figure 51 is a side elevation similar to Figure 4- but with the drivingeccentric removed and with much of the other mechanism omitted soas toclearly show the means for operatin and controlling the timed movementsoi the driving chucks in relation tothe other operating parts of themachine, this mechanism will be fully explained in the furtherdescription of the machine.

Figure 52 is'a sectional plan taken on approximately line 5252 of Figure51 looking in thedirection of the arrow.

Figure 53 isa sectional plan taken on ap- 12 proximately the line 5353of Figure 51 f and looking in the direction of the arrow.

Figure- 54 is-a sectiona-l'plan detail of the locking mechanism operatin"in connection with the mechanism that feeds the box heads 1 or endsinto the holding forms and is taken on approximately the line 5454 ofFigure 18 looking in the direction of the arrow.

. Figure '55 a sectional elevation of the anvilframe 27 .to clearlyillustrate the manner of adjusting the anvils laterally to accommodatedifferent size boxes, the view is taken on the same plane as that of theframe in Figure 3.

Figures '56 and 57 are companion views showing the top head feed dog inenlarged projection, showing a plan and side view of same and clearlyillustrates the details of structure attending this part.

Figures 58 and 59 are companion views showing the bottom head feed dogin enlarged projection, showing a plan and side view of same and clearlyillustrates the details of structure.

The reference letters and numerals herein used indicate, respectively,the same part in the difi'erent figures of the drawings. The curvedarrows indicate without further description the direction of movementsof parts, and where single figures of the drawings are referred to inthe descriptive part of the specification such reference is onlyintended to point out a figure in which the specific parts are wellshown, and other figures'may show the same parts.

The general idea contemplated in evolving this invention comprises theproduction of a completely automatic box making machine wherein thegeneral structure would be of a sim le design and arrangement andcapable of eing machined and assembled with the least outlay of materialor labor; where the various operating mechanisms would be so placed andpositioned as to be most easily accessible for the purpose of originalassemblage and for subsequent timing and o eration; where a continuedoperation coul be maintained in properly timed successive ste s for theproduction of boxes in lar e numbers of a given size and shape and w ereall of the operative elements and parts would be so arranged in theirlacement and functioning as to come within the knowledge andunderstanding of unskilled operators. With these views in mind we willnow proceed with the general description.

The numeral 1 re resents a base member on which is mount standards 2located in spaced relation. The frame members, forming the general framework of the machine. and on which are mounted in some manner or otherpractically all of the operative mechanism, comprise channelsectionmembers 3, four of which are rovided, two rising from each of thestan ards 2 and form ing1 spaced supports for the various means anmechanism.

These channel shaped frame members 3 are secured to the standards 2 bymeansof clamping devices most clearly shown in Figure 53 wherein isillustrated a plan of one of the standards 2. It will here be observedthat the channel members 3 rest in machined pockets in the standards 2and are securely-clamped therein by means of the clamp blocks 2 and theangularly placed bolts 2". This method of attachment makes a very rigidstructure and is extremely simple in erection.

Extending transversely through the lower part of the machine is the mamoperating shaft 4 suitably sup orted in bearings integral with the stanards 2, with an additional supporting standard 5 located outside of thepower transmitting mechanism shown in Figures 1 and 3. The power sourcecomprises a motor 6 connecting with transmission mechanism located onthe main shaft 4,

the connection as shown being 'throu h the.

medium of a silent chain passing rom a pinion on the motor shaft to alarger gearlocated on the main shaft. The transmission casing 7 Figs. 1and 3 is not illustrated beyond what is shown in these figures as it andattendant mechanism does not form part of the present invention and maybe any desired type of construction known in the art and suitable forthe purpose. The machine.

is controlled through the manipulation of the control lever 8 acting onthe brake and clutch drums 9 and 10. Further description of this part ofthe machine is thoug t unnecessary.

Located on the extreme end of the shaft 4 at the left of the machineFig. 1 is a combined eccentric and crank 11, see also Figs. 4 and 5. Acompanion eccentric is located on the opposite side of the machine, alsoon shaft 4, and is indicated by the numeral 12, these two eccentrics areset in opposed alignment and carry eccentric connecting rods 13 Figs. 1and 3. These rods are made up of I -17 is mounted on a lateral rockshaft 18,

rockin in bearings 19 and in turn carrying the sa et rock levers 20. Thesafety feature of t ese levers restin in the provision of a shear pin21, Fig. 2 w ich has just sufficient shearing resistance to permit ofnormal o eration of the feed devices, if anything appens to interferewith such normal operation that requires more shearing stress than thispin can withstand it will immediately shear and permit the lower part ofthe lever to oscillate and the feed device to stop wherever theobstruction occurs, this provision is to save serious breakage ofexmedium of a short link 22.

pensiveparts in the machine and cause an I undue loss of time thereby.

A new shear in can be applied in avery few minutes. heg'pper end of thelever 20 connects with the main feed "mechanism through the There isalso mounted on the main shaft 4, anvil lifting cams 23, Fi s. 1, 2 and3 which control and lift the nai ing anvils and attendant mechanismthrough the medium of the cam rollers 24 carried by the trans-,

' verse shaft 25, mounted in suitable sliding members 3 and havingvertical adjustment of ejectin to accommodate different size boxesthrough the medium of the adjusting screws 28 and the miter gears 29,manipulated through turning the shaft 25 by means of awrench acting onthe squared ends of the said shaft. The anvil carrying frame 27 hasfinished ways across its top surface over which the 'anv'ils- 30 aremoved laterally to accommodate any size of box being made. Thisadjusting mechanism is clear Fy illustrated in Fig. 55, on the sheetwith ig. 3, and comrises a right and-left threaded screw 31,- iiavingscrew engagement with each of the anvils 30 and being operated by meansof the miter gears 32 contained in the housing 33 and manipulated withthe squared ended stub shaft 34.

The main shaft 4 also carries a pair of I cams 35, that are held-inproper operative location by being bolted directly to the sides of thecams 23. The function of the cams 35 is to actuate the ejecting devices36. These devices comprise levers mounted on the rock shaft 37 carryingyielding ejector members 38 on theirupper ends and are rocked in propertimed relation with the movement of the box holding forms to eject abox'each time one is finished, by meansof the cam 35.

Of course the ejectors go through the motion a box at eachrevolution ofthe machine, ut so long as there is no-side on the box resting on theanvils 30 there is no part of the box in line with their movement forthem to'engage. -When making a box such as is shown in Fig. 2 theiraction only becomes effective every third stroke of the machine, butwhen making boxes such as is illustrated iii-Figs. 48, 49 and 50 theiraction becomes effective every second stroke of the machine, because ineach .of these instances there is a side nailed to the side of the boxresting on the anvils, and this side lying within the zone of movementof the ejecting members 38, is engaged by said members and the box isquickly thrust from the machine. This ejection must be ra id as at thepoint of beginning to eject t e box forms are formin about beginnin torotate and to move downward and the oxes must be gotten out of the formsbefore they turn too far. The cams 35 actuate the ejecting devicesthrough therollers 39 on the projecting ends of the aligning bar 40,which bar serves to hold the e ectors 36 and the rollers 39 in properoperative alignment.

Since none of the nail hopper or attendant mechanism has beenshown inthe mechanism for operating them has also been omitted ex-.

cept the driving eccentric 41 which is shown as mounted'on the maindriving shaft 4 in 7 Figs. 1 and 3.

he'shook feed mechanism and the box shown in Fig. 2, that is, theirgeneral operative relation ,is rather better comprehended in this view.See also Figs. 1 and 12 for other projections of these mechanisms.

and holding mechanism is best I Mounted midway on the frame members 3are supporting brackets 42, clamped into 0- sition in a similar manneras that descri ed for clamping the frame members 3 to the standards 2,except that in this instance the clamping bolts do not pass throughholes in the frame members 3 so that these brackets 42 arecapable ofvertical adjustment for whatever purpose such adjustment may be needed.

The brackets on opposite sides of the machine are laterally connected bymeans of the cross bars 43 and are thus tied in position. The cross bars43 act as carriers for the entire shook feeding "mechanism.

The shook feed mechanism is directly supported on vertically disposedbrackets .44, to the outer faces of these brackets is secured the shookcarriage brackets 45 providing guideways for the shook carrier blocks46,

which are thus permitted to reciprocate through the action of the feedarm 20 and convey shook parts into the forms.

Also mounted on the brackets44 are the head hopper brackets 47 whichcarry and su port the head hoppers 48.

n the upper parts of the brackets 44 are mounted the bottom and sidehook hoppers, These hoppers comprise t e angular members 49, havingledges on their bottom edges for supporting the ends of the bottom andside shooks and havingadjustable supporting members'50 for retaining thebottom v and side shocks in proper place.

The shook feed mechanism proper comprises the shook carrier blocks 46havi mounted 'on their forward edges the vertical head feed dog shafts51, reference being now had to Figs. 1, 2, 12, 18 and .19, 18 beingrather the best view to show these parts. The shafts 51 in turn carrythe head feed dogs 52 and 53. On the top edges of the carrier blocks 46are mounted the brackets 54 for supporting the side and bottom shookfeed dog bars designated generally by the numeral 55. The carrier blocks46 also act as the top support for the vertical dog shafts 51 and alsohave an enlarged section at this location for carrying the bottom andside dog lifting plungers 56, 57, 58 and 59. These plungers are actuatedto lift the side and bottom shook dogs through the action of a liftingroller 60, best shown in Fig. 18, wh le Fig. 19 gives a plan of it inoperation but m dotted lines. See also Figs. 56 and 57 WhlCh show it andthe head dog 52 in detached position.

The head feed dogs 52 and 53, Figs. 56 and 57, 58 and 59 are providedwith head engaging lugs 61. The dogs 52 are provided with ratchet shapedlocking lugs 62, while the dogs 53 are provided with ratchet shapedrotating lugs 63. The function of the lugs 62 and 63 will be explainedlater.

Located along the path of travel of the carrier blocks 46 and positionedin line with the ratchet lugs 63 of the dogs 53 are arranged a series ofspring pressed repositioning plun ers 64, 65 and 66. These'plun ersengage the ratchet lugs 63 of the feed ogs 53 and reposition them aswill be explained. These plungers are best shown in Fig. 18. Locatedopposite the head feed dogs 52 and carried by the carrier block 46, arelocking plungers 68, carried by brackets 69. The plun ers are springpressed and serve to lock the backward rotation that may be occasionedby the lugs of the feed dogs 53 dragging over the repositionin plungers64, 65, and 66 on the forward or feed stroke of the carrier block 6. Theends of the locking plungers are provided with rounded knobs tofacilitate the disengagement of the plungers if it becomes desirable.

Referring now particularly to Figs. 2, 3, 4,5, and 12 I will describethe parts and locations of the box parts holding forms and indexing,mechanism for controlling the movements of these parts during thesuccessive cycles of operation.

The laterally disposed shaft 70 carries a pair of box parts holdingforms designated as a whole by the numeral 71, this shaft 70 however isnot continuous when making the type of box shown in these views but ismade up of three separate parts as will be more specifically referredto. The box parts holdin forms 71 are made up of form sections bo tedtogether to form open sided U-shaped receptaclis in which the box headsor ends are placed by the feed mechanism, and are provided with springpressed retaining plates 72 which act to hold the heads firmly in placewhen positioned therein by the feed devices. The inner member of the Ushaped holding forms is made as shown in Fig. 2 to provide operatingspace for the bottom and side feed bars. The outer member of the Ushaped receptacle is made of practically the same dimensions as the boxbeing operated upon, so that the shape of this member determines theposition of the holding forms while resting on the driving anvils 30.The box parts holdin forms 71 are given lateral adjustment for ifierentsize boxes throu h mounting them on different lengths of t e shaft 70.These differing shaft lengths are clearly shown in Fig. 12 where it willbe seen that the shaft sections do not extend through the U shapedopening where the box heads are supported but are cut flush with theinner faces thereof, therefore, to ad'ust the separation of the twoopposed hol in forms it is only necessary to provide sha portions of theproper length to place the form in proper alignment with the feed lineof the heads to form the length of box desired.

The shaft 7 O carries sliding block bearin s 73 held in proper alignmentbetween t e frame members 3. On the index end of the shaft the hearinghas an 11 wardly extending portion that forms a caring for the shortgear shaft 74 that carries the friction controlled indexing geararrangement.

The indexing mechanism for regulating and controlling the rotarymovements of the box forms during the successive cycles of forming a boxis best illustrated in Figs. 4 to 11 inclusive, Figs. 4 and 5 showingthis mechanism in its two opposite positions while Figs. 9 and 10 showthe indexing member in transit and in final indexed and locked position.The position of the box forms in Fig. 4 is that of a completedoperation, so that the movement of-the indexing mechanism from theposition of Fig. 4 to that of Fig. 5 will result in the box beingejected from the forms as is shown in Fig. 16 and the box arts holdingforms being positioned throug a travel of 180 degrees to the position ofa commencing operation as in Fig. 17, where it is more clearly shownthan in Fig. 5. This change of position and the manner of producing itwill be more fully dealt with in the description of the operation of themachine.

The indexing mechanism comprises the following parts, referringparticularl -to Figs. 6 and 7. Mounted on the shaft 70 1s a pinion 75meshing with a frictionally controlled free running gear 76, the pinion75 being secured to the shaft 7 0 by means of a pin, set screw or key asma be preferred. The "pinion 75 and the gear 76 are mounted on theinside of the frame as shown in Fig. 3. Located on the outer end of theshaft 70 is the notched index member 77 through the medium of which thebox parts holding forms are accurately located and positioned for thenext operation at the end of each cycle. The shaft 7 4 passes through asleeve 78, Fig. 7, and carries on one end a nut and on the o posite endthe stiff sprin 79. The end of e sleeve 78 over which gear 76 ridesfreely is squared as is indicated at 80 Fig. 11. The friction disks 81and 82 have of the sleeve. 'Between the disks 81 and 82' are locatedfiber friction disks 83 and 84 which have round holes and are free torotate with the gear 76, although they would probably operate as well ifmounted with squared holes and thereby made to rotate with the'disks 81and 82. Secured to'the outer face of the disk 81 is an operating arm 85having a sliding'pivot block86 secured in proper posltion to give thedesired extent of throw, by means of a set screw. Extending from thispivot block 86is a pitman 87 having pivotal connection with the drivingframe 15.

The sprin 79 must be of suflicient tension to hold the isks'81 and 82 insuch resistive contact as will be amply sufficient to cause a positiverotation of the shaft 70 and reposition the box parts holdin forms eachtime the mechanism is 0 rated, the excess movement incident to thisoperation will be spent in simply mov'ng the friction disks in slip.-ping contact with the gear 76.

Located dir ctly underneath the index disk 77 is located a stop bracket88 carrying a h0using89 in which housing is located acombined torsionand compression spring 90 and also an indexing plunger 91 having a Thead block integral with its upper end resting against a stop plate 92,and, due to the torque action of the spring 90 to said T head isnormallyheld in an angularly inclined'position as is indicated at 93Fig. 8, the back corner of the T being bevelled to permit of thislocation. The spring 90 is able to exert a torque action to the plungerby having its upper end secured to the under side of the shoulder, thewire end ofthe spring being bent upward and inserted in a hole in theshoulder, and it also acts as' a compression spring by bein confinedbetween the shoulder on the plunger and the adjustable sleeve enteringthe lower end of the housing 89. Further reference to thes e parts willbe made in the, description of the operation of the machine.

The mechanism for operatin the nail chuck frame in proper timed relationwith the other operative parts of the machine will now be described.

Located on the shaft'4 just outside the standards 2 on opposite sides ofthe machine arelifting cams 945, see particularly.

3 and 51. Located just above this cam is a cam roll cross head 95carrying the cam rolls 96 and mounted to reciprocate with connectingrods 97, the rods 97'finding hearing in the frame clamping blocks 2. Therodsv 97 extend vertically within the channel frame sections3 and carryon their upper ends the chuck frame cross heads 98 which 7 are Inentering upon a discussion of the operation of my improved-automatic boxmaking machine, a few preliminary remarks.

seem to be in order.

pivotally connected to the chuck frame I have illustrated the machine asoperating upon a box ofquite large dimensions and have shown this box asbeing composed of single board head or end pieces, and double board sideand bottom pieces.

The thought in doing this was to illustrate in the clearest possible waythe ingenious feed mechanismI have devised for handling multiple boxparts in this manner.

The feed mechanism will handlethe parts for multiple sides 'or bottomsor for single sides or bottoms without mechanical alteration oradjustment other than changingfthe feed dog bars that select the partsfrom the sides and bottom magazine- Th's is a feature of primeimportance in the simplicity of operation, and this slightchange may beaccomplished in much less time than it takes to tell about it,

I have also shown by special diagrammatic views the manner of operatingthe machine to make smaller boxes. where two boxes are in the box partsholding-forms at each alternate cycle of operation. With'these thoughtsinmind I will now proceed with the operative description.

We will assume that the machine and all of its operative parts are setin proper timed relation and the head chutes and the bottom and sidemagazine are properly filled with box parts adapted to make a box suchas is illustrated in the drawings, referringparticularly to what isshown in the main views and in Figs. 13 to 16 inclusive.

By reference first to Fig. 18 it will be observed that I have letteredthe bottom and side parts a, b, c, d, e, and f as indicating the partsneeded for'one box, they are arranged in the magazine in the properorder tobe selected the feed devices and carried intoolution of themachine or a'complete movebpepit of the feed mechanism'forward and Ihave shown additional head pieces which I have lettered z, j, k and Z.These head boards will not be moved from the head over its top movement.

chutes in this description but are shown to illustrate in some of thediagrammatic views the manner in which thehead feed dogs are able tomove past these boards without engaging them during the second and thirdcycle of operation.

Assuming that the machine is in the position of Fig. 5 the cam 23rotating in the direction of the arrow begins to raise the nailin anvils30 through the medium of the cam rollers 24 and connections and theanvil supporting frame 27 until the anvils engage the underside of thebox arts holding forms 71 when the are lifted into nailing position asshown by Figs. .3 and 4 but with the forms 71 in the operative positionof Fig. 5;

At the instant the cam 23 begins to raise the anvils 30 the drivingeccentrics 11 and 12 are just approaching the top of the stroke, andsince they control the movement of the driving frame 15 they are justcarrying it The eccentric 11 also acts as driving crank for the shookfeed mechanism, it will therefore be noted that the connection 16, whichis circumferentially ad'ustable for accurate timing, has just passe itsposition of movin the feed mechanism to the limit of its bac stroke andhas started advancing it on the forward stroke. The line D Fig. 18indicates an idle space movement of the feed mechanism from the it pointof its back position to the point of engaging the edge of the headboards on its forward or feeding movement. In the position of Fig. 5 thefeed mechanism has just left the D position and advanced slightly on itsfeed stroke, but can travel some distance before engaging the edge ofthe head boards and h as it is shown in Fig. 12.

In the osition of Fig. 5 and starting; therefrom 1t will be noted thatthe nail chuck cam 94 is supporting the nail chuck frame 15. in elevatedposition, the cam roller 96 riding over the long concentric portion ofthe cam. The nail chuck frame 15 and the driving frame 15 will be heldin elevated positions until the box parts are properly aligned in thebox parts hblding forms 71.

Just before the anvils 30 reach their uppermost position and the boxholding forms resting thereon reach their uppermost posi- Jon the firstsides. This first heads and sides is represented 1n Fig. 13.'

tion the headboards begin to enter the forms 71 and are fed into theforms during their period of rest while the cam roller 24 is riding overthe concentric portion X of the cam 23. This ensures the boards restingfirmlyand squarely on the top faces of the anvils so they will beproperly aligned and positioned for the first operation of nailingposition of Just as the head dogs 52 and 53"engage the box heads 9 and has in Figs. 12, 20 and 21, the box side feed .dog bars 99 having beenbrought .into operative position by mechanism to be described, an agefirst, the side board a and advance it a ong in align ment with theheads, and as its support passes from under the other boards in themagazine, they drop onto the ways and the side board b comes intoposition to be en gaged with the second dog on the bar )9.

From now on the two side boards a and b travel together with the feedmechanism and the heads 9 and h are deposited on the box holding forms71 as is shown in Fig. 13.

Further rotation of the cam 23 now raises the anvils 30 and box forms 71together with the box parts just delivered to the forms into the finaland nailing position, through the action of the roller 24 passing ontothe hi 11- est concentric portion of the cam 23, t is last liftingmovement serving also to raise the side boards a and I) up out ofengage: ment with the dogs on the feed bar 99 so that the boards a and bwill not be displaced by the dogs on the bar 99 as it returns to itsback position.

During the period of the movements just described the shaft 4 havingturned through part of a revolution the other various mechanismscontrolled by this shaft have been moved partly through their cycles ofo eration. The nailing frame and the nail c uck frame 15 and 15 havebeen returned to a position just approaching rest on the box parts nowheld by the parts holding forms 71, the natural weight of the nail chuckframe 15 being suflicient to hold the side boards a and b in position,its movement and position relative to the cam 94, Fig. 51, is such thatwhen it rests on the boards a and 5 its entire weight is utilized tohold these boards in proper place on the head boards during the nailingoperation. This is accomplished through adjusting its position on thelifting bars 97 so that the roller 96'rides free of the cam 94 duringthis period.

Just prior to the nailing plungers carried by the nailing frame 15reaching the box parts, the frame 15 will have assumed the position onthe box parts just described and the final down movement of the frame 15will drive the nails and secure the sides to the heads. As there is moreor less variation in the thickness of commercially sawed box parts Ihave provided compensating mechanism in the operation of the naildriving to care for this condition.

The top pivotal connection of the connecting rods 13 constitutes acushioned connection. The upper end of the rod 13 is threaded andcarries an adjusting collar, which in turn controls the tension of thecushioning spring 14', which s ring has sufiicient ten- S1011 to drivethe nails' without unduly forcing the nail drivin plungers into the topsurfaces of the thic er boards.

Having driven the nails into the first sides

